Tractor Destroys Fresh Asphalt in Gliwice

8 August 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A 60-year-old drove a tractor and a plough over newly laid road. The tractor damages fresh asphalt in Gliwice and the driver now faces court.

A 60-year-old man drove a tractor with a lowered plough over newly laid asphalt on Rybacka Street. The tractor damages fresh asphalt in Gliwice and left nearly 200 metres of ruined surface on Friday afternoon.

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What happened on Rybacka Street

Police received a call at about 15:10 on August 7. Officers found the tractor moving slowly with the plough down. Roadworkers confirmed the machine tore up the new surface. Consequently, they blocked the tractor using a road roller and a loader. Moreover, staff prevented further damage until police arrived. The driver claimed he owned the road. However, the city disputed that claim. Therefore, officers detained the 60-year-old and took him to a holding room. In addition, the tractor, a Ursus model, had no mandatory liability insurance. As a result, authorities towed the vehicle to a police impound.

Incidents: tractor damages fresh asphalt

Zarząd Dróg Miejskich, the municipal roads authority, checked land records. They confirmed the whole road belongs to the city. Consequently, they denied claims of partial private ownership. Moreover, the authority said no private permission was needed for the resurfacing. Therefore, they called for correcting false public posts. The police say they will forward the case to court. In addition, prosecutors will decide on criminal or civil charges.

Legal and financial consequences

Driving a vehicle that deliberately damages public property can lead to prosecution. Moreover, causing damage to municipal infrastructure can trigger compensation claims. The tractor lacked compulsory OC insurance, or civil liability cover. Therefore, the driver may face both repair costs and fines. In Poland, OC insurance is mandatory for motor vehicles. In addition, an uninsured vehicle can increase penalties. The court will set responsibility and possible compensation. Consequently, the resident could pay to repair almost 200 metres of road.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland, municipal authorities like ZDM (Zarząd Dróg Miejskich) manage public roads. Moreover, police handle on-the-spot detentions and report cases to prosecutors. In addition, OC means mandatory vehicle liability insurance. If you receive a mandat (a fine), pay attention to deadlines. Also, institutions such as ZUS (social insurance) and NFZ (national health fund) matter for residency paperwork. Therefore, keep registration documents and PESEL number ready when dealing with officials.

Why this matters for expats: local ownership disputes can flare quickly. Moreover, public works often proceed under city permits. Therefore, individuals should avoid obstructing or interfering with repairs. If you witness damage, report it to police via 112 or local stations. In addition, document the scene with photos and timestamps. Finally, expect courts to decide on restitution and possible criminal counts.

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